Pain...

Pain...
Luca's POV

There was a weird feeling spreading in my chest... It started as a full feeling, almost impossible to notice, but the more I stood, the more it hurt.

But I didn't let it show... I kept an expressionless face as I pulled the trigger aiming at Viola.

Once...

Twice...

Three times...

Four...

I didn't shoot her once... She might still be alive.

There might still be hope.

I shot her four times just to make Noel know that there was no way she was coming back.

As soon as I shot her, Payson reacted immediately. He gunned down the half a dozen men in the room, each with a clean shot.

He missed only one...

Noel.

Noel returned to his senses before the bullet got to him. He ducked and quickly tucked away, running out of the house.

I followed him with bullets, but he was faster.

It would be stupid if I were able to end him this easily.

"Fuck!" I groaned, stomping my feet on the floor.

Then I glared at Viola's limp, lifeless body, which was now covered in a pool of blood with spite.

She didn't deserve to die this easily. Not when Aria was still fighting for her life in the hospital... But I needed to do this before Aria wakes up.

There was no way I would let them breathe the same air as her.

"Boss..." Payson came to stand before me.

I turned to him sharply. "Have men tail Noel... Find out where the fuck he is headed to." I ordered. "He can't go that far, he got hit."

Payson may have missed his shot... But I didn't.

But Noel moved so I probably missed a vital organ, but I hit him. He was too hurt to have gone far.

"Check for blood stains and trace it... You have to find him before any of his men do."

"Yes, boss." Payson bowed and then turned to fulfil the order.

It was only after he was gone did I finally let the pain I was feeling show.

"Argh!" I groaned, the pain consuming me. My knees felt weak... I bent down, clenching my chest while gritting my teeth.

This pain...

It was a more intense one than the others.

It didn't start from my abdomen this time. The doctor did say the cancer had spread to most of my vital organs.

Plus... The whiskey I had drunk before coming here. It was beginning to affect me.

I shook my head to avoid losing consciousness. No... Not now.

I groaned, leaning on the closest wall for support. "My... My medication..." I stammered to myself.

Then I remembered... I didn't bring it.

I normally had it in the car, but this time... It wasn't there. There was no use heading over to the car now.

I should have taken the doctor's words much more seriously... But I was just too pained and guilty for what happened to Aria. I wanted to inflict pain on myself.

I still thought I deserved it but... I had to give Aria justice first.

"Arghhhh!' I groaned again... My knees gave way, and I fell forward, my knees hitting the ground.

Outside, gunshots filled the air.

Noel's men must have realized something was wrong and were fighting back now. It was a good thing I came with enough men.

But even if I didn't... The battle outside was the least of my concerns at the moment.

Sure... I was weak, but not weak enough not to handle a few men if they managed to pass through the gates.

What really concerned me was the unbearable pain I felt.

It was worse than a gunshot... I knew that because I've felt the other before and I would pick it over this pain.

I just knelt there, clenching my teeth in pain when my phone suddenly vibrated.

My hands shook as I lifted them... The pain was just too much to bear yet I couldn't fall unconscious.

I reached into my pocket to get the phone and then looked at the ID...

It was Payson.

I stopped to inhale and exhale before picking up the call and placing it to my ear.
"Boss... We've found him." His voice came through from the other side.

Him... I didn't even need to think to know who that was.

I was right... He was injured. Noel wouldn't he able to fat

"Good... I'd be right there." I answered, forcing my voice to sound regular while trying to hide my labored breathing.

I could hold it. Just until I was sure Noel was gone... Then I would take care of it.

With that determination, I forced myself to stand back up, still holding my chest with one hand, the other tightly squeezing my gun while breathing heavily.

Sweat trickled down my face... But I held on.

I had to see this to the end.

After a few deep breaths, I stood straight and then headed towards the door.

...just a little more time.